About Luis

About Luis

LUIS ORTEGA

Bringing a message of empathy & inclusion to 1000 schools & communities across the nation.

Luis Ortega is a TEDx Speaker, social impact consultant, and the director and founder of Storytellers for Change. Over the last eleven years, Luis has traveled across the nation to share his personal narrative and message about the power of story-telling and story-listening to generate empathy, promote inclusion, and inspire action. Learn more about Luis' work>>

A KEYNOTE TO INSPIRE

Luis is known as a powerful storyteller for his ability to deliver a heartfelt message while inviting audiences to reflect on how the stories we tell (and the stories we don't) shape our personal journeys and communities. Luis' call to action is to be empathy-first and to make a commitment to truly listen to each other. This is what allows us to build more inclusive environments where everyone's story can be heard.

School Assemblies

Luis' Storytellers for Change presentation for school assemblies highlight why each one of us has the power to make a difference with our personal narratives to promote compassion, inclusion, servant-leadership, social justice, and resilience.

Conferences

Luis' message is ideal for student and educator conferences looking for a powerful keynote to highlight the power of stories and empathy to promote equity and inclusion. Luis has share this message at over 100 conferences across Washington and the nation.

Retreats & More

Luis has also shared his message at business retreats, leadership conferences, and community events. Luis speaks about why and how an empathy-first approach helps leaders and organizations to build more inclusive environments.

Testimonials

Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS

Over the years, Luis has had the opportunity to speak at schools, events, and conferences to inspire youth, educators, professionals, and community leaders to believe in the power of their stories to make a difference.

Here are a few of the places where Luis has shared the Storytellers for Change message.

Luis is an inspiring and life-changing speaker. His message set the tone for the best Professional Development we have ever had!

— Sharon Kautz, Bellevue School District

The best presentation and most inspirational story we’ve ever heard. Luis’ message has inspired us to continue advocating for the change we want to see in our communities. 

— Banja Luka, YLP Bosnia and Herzegovina

Luis is a talent, a joy and force for good in the world. His story and message are a call to action to rethink how we talk and think about empathy.

— Joe Fenbert, Association of Washington Student Leaders

A timely, inspiring, and much needed message. Luis possesses the unique ability to reach ALL students and empower the voices of those who are not often heard.

— Michelle Thomassian, Highline Public Schools

Absolutely wonderful presentation! Our students and faculty keep talking about the impact of Luis’ message. We all need to be empathy-first!

— Malka Popper, NW Yeshiva High School

Luis’ ability to “get real” with the audience and share his own journey is incredibly powerful. I recommend this presentation to anyone looking to promote inclusion.

— Lisa Fain, Outerwall, Inc.

Videos

Videos

JUST LISTEN

Empathy Means You Are My Other Me

Luis shares a powerful message about the power of radical empathy to promote inclusion and equity. Through a poem and a heartfelt story about an eleven-year journey, Luis shares the most important lesson he has learned as a storyteller.

This video is just a short compilation of the full presentation.

DEFINING LEADERSHIP

What Makes a Leader: Purpose

Luis returns to his alma mater to speak about leadership and his experience as an undocumented and homeless college student. Luis shares leadership is not about having a title next to our names, but instead about purpose, service, and the recognition that we can make a difference in our community.

LUIS' TEDx TALK

Inspire a Movement of Possibility

How do you overcome negativity? How can we find inspiration in those moments of great difficulty? Luis shares his personal journey and why and how he has been able to overcome adversity and build resilience.

Thank You

Thank You

SHARE A STORY

Do you have a memorable story about one of Luis' presentations?

We would love to hear from you. Your stories are truly what keeps us motivated, grounded, and resilient. We look forward to hearing from you!

Your stories, thank you cards, and letters inspire us to continue sharing a message of inclusion and empathy across the world. Your work and commitment to be a Storyteller for Change in your community is the reason why we keep doing the work we do. I believe in the change you are making.